CT SB00396

Establishes a 13-member child fatality review panel with the Child Advocate as chairperson, including commissioners of Children and Families, Public Health, and Public Safety, the Chief Medical Examiner, Chief State's Attorney, and professionals appointed by legislative leaders (pediatrician, law enforcement representative, attorney, social worker, psychologist, and injury prevention representative).

Panel shall review circumstances of child deaths in out-of-home care or from unexpected/unexplained causes to develop prevention strategies and improve service coordination for children and families.

Requires panel to issue annual reports by June 30, 2018 and each year thereafter to the Governor and relevant legislative committee, including review of child fatalities and assessment of state agency policies and compliance regarding child fatality prevention.

Directs panel to present reports at an informational forum within four weeks of issuance, in coordination with state agencies and the relevant legislative committee.

Mandates state agencies cited in Child Advocate reports submit written responses to the Governor and legislative committee within 90 days, with the Chief Medical Examiner and custodial agencies required to provide timely notice to the Child Advocate of child deaths and critical incidents.